Each September, Voyageurs National Park Association and the National Park Service host the Volunteer Rendezvous, a two-day volunteer blitz in Voyageurs National Park. This year, volunteers will assist with an important effort to collect native plant seed for part of a multi-year wetland restoration effort aimed at removing invasive cattails throughout the park and restoring biodiversity.

People of all ages and skills are welcome to attend one or both of the volunteer days – no experience is necessary. National Park Service staff will provide you with the tools and training required to make a positive impact on the park.

Space is limited. Register early! Events will be based near Voyageurs National Park’s Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

Project Description: Bring your fishing rod - Ramshead Lake is known for its northern pike! Volunteers will travel by canoe from the Moose/Portage River (north) entry point to Ramshead Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. During the day, volunteers will work together to clear portages in the area. The group will camp on Ramshead Lake with the option of moving to Nina Moose Lake on the final night for a quicker trip to the entry point on the last day.

Meeting Location and Time: LaCroix Ranger Station 8/12 @ 8:00 am

Fees: There is a $50 registration fee for all participants. This fee is refundable up to three weeks prior to the project.

More Details: The Northwoods Volunteer Connection provides some equipment for this project, see the Resources tab for more details including packing lists. Volunteers will be reimbursed $25 per day for the cost of food. Individuals may choose to bring their own food or to order food for the trip through a local outfitter.

Project Description: Travel the historic Granite River Route along the Canadian border, originally used by voyageurs and fur traders! This group will travel up the Gunflint Trail to put in on Larch Creek and paddle to camp on Clove Lake. Each day, volunteers will travel to the Swamp Portage on the Granite River and work alongside Superior National Forest staff to repair a boardwalk and install waterbars made of rocks or logs to improve the drainage of the trail. These efforts help create a positive experience for Wilderness visitors in addition to preventing sedimentation in the beautiful streams and lakes of the area.

Meeting Location and Time: Gunflint Ranger Station 7/12 @ 8:00 am

Fees: There is a $50 registration fee for all participants. This fee is refundable up to three weeks prior to the project.

RSVP: Space is limited to 7 volunteers (4 of 7 spots available). Fill out an interest form here. Registration deadline - June 25th.

More Details: The Northwoods Volunteer Connection provides some equipment for this project, see the Resources tab for more details including packing lists. Volunteers will be reimbursed $25 per day for the cost of food. Individuals may choose to bring their own food or to order food for the trip through a local outfitter.

Project Description: Are you interested in volunteer stewardship but unable to commit to a week-long project? Unsure about a multi-day trip in the Wilderness? This is the perfect opportunity for you - get a taste of adventure as a Northwoods volunteer in a single Saturday! Paddle across Poplar Lake to the Lizz Lake portage. Volunteers will spend the day working alongside a Forest Service Wilderness Ranger building a boardwalk on a portion of the trail. This project includes a 30 minute canoe ride across the lake and a short, 5-minute hike to the project area.

Meeting Location and Time: Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters @ 8:00 am

RSVP: Space is limited! Fill out a registration form here. Registration deadline - June 28th.

More Details: The Northwoods Volunteer Connection will provide all of the tools and equipment needed for this project. Volunteers should wear waterproof, closed-toed shoes (rubber boots are preferred), long pants and bring a long-sleeve shirt. Volunteers should also bring plenty of water.

UPDATE - We will now be providing lunch to participants in this project. Please indicate if you have any dietary restrictions at the time of registration.

The Northwoods Volunteer Connection is adopting the Bass Lake Trail and we need YOUR help to keep it clean and clear!

Bring a friend or the whole family and stop by the trail on Saturday, June 24th for our inaugural clearing event! Coffee and treats will be provided for those who arrive at 9 am. Stop by the trailhead any time during the day to lend a hand, we will be waiting to put you to work. Hiking a beautiful trail and admiring waterfalls, all while giving something back? Not a bad way to spend a Saturday!

What to bring: Closed-toed shoes, a long-sleeve shirt, water and a lunch.

As the new adopters of Bass Lake Trail, the Northwoods Volunteer Connection will be hosting on-going clearing events and other maintenance projects to keep this popular trail in good order. Check back for more Bass Lake Trail events later in the year!

Project Description: Travel into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on foot! The Angleworm Hiking Trail is a 13.5-mile loop around Angleworm Lake. This trip will allow volunteers to take in the beautiful views from the plentiful overlooks and take advantage of wildlife viewing opportunities while giving something back. Days will be spent working alongside Forest Service staff, clearing small trees and brush to ensure the trail remains open to hikers. Volunteers will backpack into the Wilderness to camp at one of the sites on the hiking trail, at least 2 miles.

Meeting Location and Time: Kawishiwi Ranger Station 6/19 @ 8:00 am

Fees: There is a $50 registration fee for all participants. This fee is refundable up to three weeks prior to the project.

More Details: The Northwoods Volunteer Connection provides all of the the tools and some of the equipment needed for this project, see the Resources tab for more details including packing lists. Volunteers will be reimbursed $25 per day for the cost of food. Individuals may choose to bring their own food or to order food for the trip through a local outfitter.

After a winter of snow, ice, and high winds the SHTA is planning three trail-clearing work weekends to help get the trail back into hikeable shape. The trail could be wet and muddy or still have snow in places, so be sure to have good waterproof boots. Bring work gloves if you have them, or they will be provided. Tools and safety glasses will be provided, along with training. Only certified chainsawyers can saw on the trail.

Volunteers will be working on projects in that area. The SHTA will be hosting volunteers free of charge at the Grand Marais Recreation Area (Campground).The SHTA will provide camping on Friday May 26th, Saturday May 27th, and Sunday May 28th. Indoor space will be available for meals and gathering if the weather is bad. SHTA will provide Saturday and Sunday supper along with Saturday, Sunday, and Monday breakfast. Volunteers need to bring their own lunches.

Please e-mail Jo Swanson (volunteer@shta.org) to sign up and provide the following information:

Friday evening (26th) the crew will drive up to a bunkhouse or ranger cabin and stay overnight. Saturday the crew will paddle from the “West” Bearskin landing to a campsite on Duncan Lake (includes a 1/4 mile portage), setup a base camp and spend the rest of the day trail clearing on the BRT. Trail clearing will continue on Sunday and the crew will canoe out and return home on Monday. Tax deductible trip fee of $60 includes carpool transportation and food, with the exception of meals on the drive up and back. Trip is limited to 9 people.

The Border Route Trail Association hosts clearing events inside and outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. More information and registration links can be foundation on their website - BRT Website.

Thursday evening (18th) the crew will drive up to a bunkhouse or ranger cabin and stay overnight. Friday the crew will paddle from the “West” Bearskin landing to a campsite on Duncan Lake (includes a 1/4 mile portage), setup a base camp and spend the rest of the day trail clearing on the BRT. Trail clearing will continue on Saturday and the crew will paddled out and return home on Sunday. Tax deductible trip fee of $60 includes carpool transportation and food, with the exception of meals on the drive up and back. Trip is limited to 9 people.

The Border Route Trail Association hosts clearing events inside and outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. More information and registration links can be foundation on their website - BRT Website.

After a winter of snow, ice, and high winds the SHTA is planning three trail-clearing work weekends to help get the trail back into hikeable shape. The trail could be wet and muddy or still have snow in places, so be sure to have good waterproof boots. Bring work gloves if you have them, or they will be provided. Tools and safety glasses will be provided, along with training. Only certified chainsawyers can saw on the trail.

Volunteers will be working on projects in the Finland area. The SHTA will be hosting volunteers free of charge at the Clair Nelson Community Center (Finland Rec Center). The SHTA will provide Friday May 12th and Saturday May 13th lodging (bring your own sleeping mat, cot, sleeping bag, blankets, pillows, etc.). There is also camping available in the nearby field if you prefer to bring your camping gear and sleep outside. SHTA will provide Saturday and Sunday breakfast, plus Saturday supper. Volunteers need to bring their lunches.

Please e-mail Jo Swanson (volunteer@shta.org) to sign up and provide the following information:

Thursday evening (11th) the crew will drive up to a bunkhouse or ranger cabin and stay overnight. Friday the crew will paddle from the “West” Bearskin landing to a campsite on Duncan Lake (includes a 1/4 mile portage), setup a base camp and spend the rest of the day trail clearing on the BRT. Trail clearing will continue on Saturday and the crew will paddled out and return home on Sunday. Tax deductible trip fee of $60 includes carpool transportation and food, with the exception of meals on the drive up and back. Trip is limited to 9 people.

The Border Route Trail Association hosts clearing events inside and outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. More information and registration links can be foundation on their website - BRT Website.

After a winter of snow, ice, and high winds the SHTA is planning three trail-clearing work weekends to help get the trail back into hikeable shape. The trail could be wet and muddy or still have snow in places, so be sure to have good waterproof boots. Bring work gloves if you have them, or they will be provided. Tools and safety glasses will be provided, along with training. Only certified chainsawyers can saw on the trail.

Join the SHTA Saturday 9-4, Sunday 9-3, or both days.

Volunteers will be working on projects in Schroeder area. The SHTA will be hosting volunteers free of charge at the Schroeder Town Hall. Indoor lodging (bring your own sleeping mat, cot, sleeping bag, blankets, pillows, etc.) will be provided Friday May 5th and Saturday May 6th. There is also camping available in the nearby baseball field if you prefer to bring your camping gear and sleep outside. SHTA will provide Saturday and Sunday breakfast, plus Saturday supper. Volunteers need to bring their lunches.

Please e-mail Jo Swanson (volunteer@shta.org) to sign up and provide the following information:

Thursday evening (4th) the crew will drive up to a bunkhouse or ranger cabin and stay overnight. Friday the crew will hike in to the BRT on the Topper Lake Cutoff trail and clear east from that junction and return to the bunkhouse/cabin. Trail clearing will continue on Saturday. The return home on Sunday. Tax deductible trip fee of $60 includes carpool transportation and food, with the exception of meals on the drive up and back. Trip is limited to 9 people.

The Border Route Trail Association hosts clearing events inside and outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. More information and registration links can be foundation on their website - BRT Website.

Early Friday (28th) morning the crew will drive up to the an access trailhead, hike into the Topper Lake camp, setup a base camp, and spend the rest of the day trail clearing on the BRT. to the west of the camp. Saturday and Sunday trail clearing will continue on the BRT. The crew will hike out on Monday and return home. You will be responsible for your own meals and an equal share of the carpooling transportation cost. There is no trip fee for this trip. Keep receipts for all of your trip related expenses that are not reimbursed as they are tax deductible. The trip will be limited to 9 people.

The Border Route Trail Association hosts clearing events inside and outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. More information and registration links can be foundation on their website - BRT Website.

Project Description: Help clean up the Six Hundred Road (FR166) in the Superior National Forest. Volunteers will work to pick up litter along the roadside near the Sawbill Trail. The Six Hundred Road is a popular destination for views of the Forest, particularly in the fall. This project will improve the enjoyment of the beautiful forest resources for north shore visitors and residents alike.

Project Description: Volunteers will repair a portion of the boardwalk on the Big Moose to Cummings portage. New planks will be placed and secured to the original foundation to replace the aging wood. Volunteers will travel by canoe from the Big Moose South entry point approximately 4 hours to camp on Big Moose Lake.

Meeting Location and Time: LaCroix Ranger Station 9/12 @ 8:00am

Cost: $50/adult, $25/student

RSVP: Contact Laurel at 218-663-8608 or lwilson@mnnvc.org for more information and to register. Registration deadline is September 1st.

More Details: The Northwoods Volunteer Connection provides food and some equipment for this project. Please let us know if you have an dietary restrictions at the time of registration. See the Resources tab for more details including packing lists.

Help remove an invasive plant from the Isabella area and prepare a site for a pollinator planting!

Spotted knapweed, a non-native, invasive plant, is growing in a meadow that was once home to an Environmental Learning Center in Isabella. Volunteers will remove spotted knapweed by hand to prepare the area for a planting in the fall. The goal is to encourage native plants that will support pollinators and to keep non-native plants from growing in the area.

The Northwoods Volunteer Connection will provide the gloves and tools volunteers will need. Lunch will also be provided. Volunteers should wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt and socks and shoes and bring a water bottle.

All ages are welcome, however, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or complete the necessary paperwork before volunteering.

Difficulty Rating: Easy

RSVP: Let us know if we can expect you! Contact Laurel at 218-663-8608 or lwilson@mnnvc.org.

Directions: From HWY 61 - Travel 28 miles on HWY 1, turn right onto County Rd. 702 (Mitawan Lake Road) at the Knotted Pine. After 0.7 miles, turn left to the old Isabella ELC, Fire Number 10007.

From Ely - Travel approximately 30 miles on HWY 1 toward Isabella, turn left onto County Rd. 702 (Mitawan Lake Road) at the Knotted Pine. After 0.7 miles, turn left to the old Isabella ELC, Fire Number 10007.

If you find yourself at the Flathorn Lake Picnic Area you've gone too far!